Surviving Military Separation

New Home - Safe and Sound

2009-05-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone-

As many of you know, my family and I have moved from Wiesbaden, Germany to Fort Campbell, KY.

I will begin counseling at our new installation next week.

The family had a safe flight and we are getting set up in our new home!

Thanks for all the well wishes along the way.

Marc

SMS mentioned in Root and Sprout magazine!

2009-04-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

Long Distance 411: Six Unique Ways to Keep Families Together When They Live Apart

By Karen Nowicki

Whether it is due to a divorce, job requirements, military assignment, education or even incarceration, many families in our society today are living farther and farther apart.

Depending on which perspective you choose to view this situation will ultimately shape how well you and your child cope with the distance.

A “poor little Johnny” attitude will likely rub off on him and have him feeling like somehow he got the short end of the stick. Even if the living arrangements are out of your control, you will serve yourself and your children well by focusing on ways to make what you think is a bleak situation bright.

Embrace the change and seek to find the gold in the separation. Think about this as a comparison, why do millions of children grow up with a single parent or guardian and feel loved no less than a child with two parents? It is because they experience love and connection on a consistent basis. The same can be said for long distant parenting too.

Keep your relationship strong by regularly communicating. Do the best you can to have a scheduled plan for phone calls, emails, written letters and visits. This will give them a sense of routine and consistency, just as if you were coming home from work each night.

Beyond the agreed upon “family times”, surprise your child as frequently as you can with spontaneous phone calls, emails, and written letters. Include age appropriate trinkets every once in awhile. A sticker sheet, photo of you, souvenir or picture (drawn by you) will go a long way to help close the gap in distance.

Here are six unique ways to keep families together when they live far apart. Some are free and some require a purchase; but, either way, they all add a spark and personal touch to your long distance relationships.

FRIENDSHIP STONES are a novel and perhaps unusual way of coping with long distance for both parents and children. Small enough to be carried around in one’s wallet or purse, it is a powerful reminder of one’s love during times when two people are apart. The Friendship Stone is a meaningful, give-back gift, a keepsake expressing one’s love, appreciation and gratitude. It also is a metaphor for how one looks at life, reminding each person that life is about choices and to be positive.

MINDSIGNS CARDS In 2001, Ron Ball was seeking for a way to help his daughter deal with the challenges of high school — all the studying, tests, peer pressure and difficulties in growing up. About the same time, his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although Ron was a busy executive, he wanted to show he was thinking about them and cared about their well-being. Ron originally created a book of affirming thoughts and empowering questions and titled it “Mindsigns”. Now, MindSigns are colorful greeting cards that are available to everyone. Each week, someone you choose receives a new MindSigns card, not once or twice, but up to 52 times a year. It’s a gift that they’ll always remember came from you.

SHUTTERFLY SHARE SITES are free, personalized websites created to share, connect and collaborate with friends and family. You can all post pictures, have a calendar, journal, etc. “Share Sites are a fun and easy way to maintain a private and secure site just for you and your loved ones,” shares Fiona Chan, Account Coordinator for Flashpoint PR.

SURVIVING MILITARY SEPARATION: A 365 Day Activity guide for the Families of Deployed Personnel Author Marc Maxwell is a former Army Ranger who is currently stationed in Germany working as a guidance counselor for the Department of Defense. He saw a need for a fun, engaging activity book for the military community that spouses and families could use together during a deployment of a loved one. His book fills just this gap and offers a wide variety of daily activities to help family members get through the tough deployment period.

BEAR MY HEART greeting bears foster a sense of security for children, inspire creativity, promote play and help with language development. You design the bear yourself and then personalize it with special fabric on their shirts to include a handwritten message or artwork with special markers included. A special voice message recording is just the right finishing touch to let your child know you care.

SKYPE WEB VIDEO CHAT PROGRAM Free calls, video calls and instant messaging over the internet. Plus great value calls to phones anywhere in the world. Recommended by Lisa Hanock-Jasie who says, “Skype is THE answer to keep in touch with your children who live far away. The Skype program allows us to “visit” with our daughter live. Although we’re not there with her, we are, in a sense, with her there.”

Prior to opening her own coaching business, Karen Nowicki was a teacher, asst. principal and vice president for public and charter schools. Karen is the founder of the Snuggle Deep Retreat and the author of Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden. Karen lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and three children. For more with Karen, sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.apeacefulintegration.com/.

Check out the website at http://www.rootandsprout.com/archives/1355

Book Discount!!!!

2009-04-09T03:13:00.000-07:00

Wow !!!!!

That's all I have to say.

I just found out that my publisher is giving a 50% discount for bulk orders for all groups: spouses, FRG's, scouts, and so on.

We just had an order from a group in Germany. They ordered 250 copies and asked the military chain of command to use unit funds.

Most commanders are happy to do this because the book is a resource that can help families through the deployment.

The group bought the books for 50% off and paid for shipping as well which worked out to be pretty inexpensive since they ordered a ton of copies in bulk.

If anyone out there wants to purchse our Surviving Military Separation book in bulk, please shoot me an email at survivingmilitaryseparation@yahoo.com

I can then put you in touch with our publisher's marketing director so you can work out the details.

Thanks a ton-

Marc

Parents need help too!!!

2009-03-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

Have any of you ever thought of how many parents send their kids off to college each year. All the worries that a parent feels when their high school graduate leaves the nest to go off to State College or State U.

Well if you think it's stressful to see your baby go off to college, then can you imagine what it is like to see your child go off to War!!!

I was contacted yesterday by a military wife and mother who is going through her 4th deployment. She has been separated 3 times with her husband and has already had 1 other with her son going to Iraq. God bless you!

She writes a blog that was a finalist for Military.com's best mil-blogs of the year and is a great resource for Parents going through the struggles of a Military Separation. Click here when you have a chance ParentsZone.org

She also asked if my book had a section for Parents. I gladly informed her that my Surviving Military Separation title was not only for spouses and children, but for any family member that is going through a deployment separation.

Here is a quote from an Army SGT on this topic:

** “This book is not just for spouses. Girlfriends, boyfriends, cousins, aunts, uncles, ext. can benefit from this activity book”. SGT Arthur HowardUS ArmyVeteran: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Parents, we know you need help too. Hopefully these two resources can help you THRIVE during your separation.

Good luck!!!

Marc

Military.com's SPOUSE BUZZ comments on SMS book!!!

2009-03-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone -

I woke up this morning and saw a blog on SPOUSE BUZZ about my book Surviving Military Separation. It was posted yesterday. Thanks Andi for mentioning it.

Click here to check it out.

Have a great day!!!!

Marc

Calling all Poets!!!

2009-03-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Poetry Center (established 1979) presents 1st Annual Poetry Book Contest.

• Submit a manuscript of 48-70 numbered pages of original poetry in any style in English. The manuscript must not have been published previously in book form, although individual poems appearing in print or on the web are permitted. Simultaneous submissions OK, but please let us know ASAP if your manuscript has been placed with another publisher.

• Entries will be judged blind. Submitted manuscript must contain 2 title pages: Name and contact information (including email address, if possible) should appear on first title page only. Name should not appear anywhere else in the manuscript.
• Manuscript should be typed, single-spaced, paginated, and bound with a clip.
• The Sacramento Poetry Center will also consider publishing additional manuscripts from this competition.
• Check for $20.00 US per entry (multiple entries OK) should be made out to The Sacramento Poetry Center. Paid-up members of the Sacramento Poetry Center may enter the contest for a reduced fee of $15. Please note that members of SPC will not receive preferential treatment in the judging process.
• Include a table of contents page and an acknowledgements page for magazine or anthology publications.• Will read entries postmarked between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2009.
• Enclose an SASE for announcement of the winner.
• Winning manuscript will be published by The Sacramento Poetry Center. Winner will receive a prize of $1000.00 and 50 free copies of the winning book.
• Staff, volunteers, or executive board members of the Sacramento Poetry Center (or their relations) may not submit manuscripts for consideration in this contest.
• Manuscripts cannot be returned.
• Entries should be mailed to The Sacramento Poetry Center, Poetry Book Contest, P.O. Box 160406, Sacramento CA 95816.
• SPC supports the CLMP Code of Ethics and will adhere to its precepts regarding contests.

All other questions can be addressed via e-mail to tnklbnny@mongryl.comorbuchanan@saclink.csus.edu

All-American Spouse: Jenny is here!

2009-02-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone -

If you are looking for a reason to smile today, then check out Jenny. Comic strip creator Julie L. Negron has given spouses a chance to look in the mirror. Fantastic is all I have to say!!!!

Click here to visit her website.

Happy reading.

Marc

Help is all around!!!!!

2009-02-20T00:32:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone-

I wanted to let you all know of a free counseling assistance program for family members, service members, and DOD civilians.

For some reason, there is a negative stigma in the military community about getting help and going to counseling. Some are afraid that records will be kep about a counseling session that may be used against them later.

No worries now!!!!!!!

The DOD understands these concerns and has hired a contractor with certified counselors to give SIX FREE sessions.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) recognized an emerging need to provide information support to Soldiers and families in addition to resident counseling services at installations. The Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) Program uses licensed clinicians with Masters Degrees and at least five years experience in Social Work, Counseling, or related clinical discipline. Consultants are trained on military specific topics including basic orientation to the deployment cycle, military culture, the chain of command, and reporting requirements in accordance with Military Family Advocacy Program.

MFLC is an military program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments.

How Can MFLC Counselors Help?

MFLC Counselors can help you and your family problem solve with issues resulting from deployment, reunions, reintegration and other times of change including:

Marriage and Relationship Issues
Family Issues
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Anger management
Parent and child communication

Soldiers and families are entitled to six prepaid, face-to-face counseling sessions.

CALL: 1-888-755-9355

You can also reach them at their website: www.mhngs.com

Please utilize this free function!!!!!

Once A Marine

2009-02-05T03:40:00.000-08:00

Hello all-

Just wanted to let you all know about a great book that hit the market a few months ago and is now getting national media attention.

The book is titled "Once A Marine" by Nick Popaditch and is one of a kind.

Once a Marine http://www.onceamarine.com/ author Nick "Gunny Pop" Popaditch--a former Marine tank commander and Silver Star recipient who has only 8 percent vision remaining in his left eye, with the other gone due to combat wounds in Iraq was interviewed on the Fox News Channel show Red Eye last Thursday and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!

Please take five minutes and watch the interview here http://www.foxnews.com/video-search/m/21814156/once_a_marine.htm#q=red+eye

We all think we have men and women in our families that are heroes, but Nick is the real deal.

I know it is sometimes hard to read or watch or listen to what is going on downrange, but I really think Nick's story needs to be heard. He is a true American hero!

Check out his website: http://www.onceamarine.com/ when you get a chance.

All the best -

Marc

Call it a Day!!!!! Storytelling game.

2009-01-12T03:49:00.000-08:00

If you are looking fora great board/card game to help pass the time until your service member gets home, check this game out.

My wife and I played it with a few close friends two nights ago.

Laughs all around the table.

Call It A Day http://poplinpress.com/ is a stroytelling game that can be played with 2-8 players for ages 8 to adult.

Check it out. A great game!!!!

Scholarships for Military children!!!

2009-01-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Even more scholarships!!!!!!!!

Check out the link below. The 2009 application is now open!!!!

http://www.militaryscholar.org/about/about.shtml

Take care,

Marc

More Scholarships!!!!

2008-12-31T04:22:00.000-08:00

Check this out: The National Military Family Association is offering more scholarships.

Military Spouse Scholarship Applications Available Now!
NMFA's Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000, are awarded to spouses of Uniformed Services members to obtain professional certification or to attend post-secondary or graduate school. The scholarship funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees, and school room and board, and are paid directly to the accredited educational institution involved. Applications are due by midnight February 1, 2009.

This year, we are pleased to offer three scholarship categories. Click here for more information or to submit an application.

Remember... Stay Active, Stay Busy!!!!

Marc

Free Education Information - Central Texas College

2008-12-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone-

Check out this article by the Fort Lee Public Affairs Office. CTC is giving wounded soldier's spouses 30 semester hours of free tuition:

Fort Lee, Va. (Nov. 26, 2008) -- By T. Anthony Bell

For some time now, Army spouse Pasha Quintana has desired to start a college degree program but couldn't get the ball rolling for various reasons.

Thanks to a Central Texas College scholarship program, she's one step closer to realizing her dream.

The wife of Warrior Transition Unit Soldier Sgt. Roberto Quintana is the installation's first recipient of a CTC program that will allow her to complete 30 credit hours at the school free of charge.

"I'm just so happy," said Pasha, who recently completed her first two classes at the school. "It's just great what Central Texas is doing, especially for our wounded Soldiers. There is so much out there for them, but the fact that they're including the wives and Families, makes me emotional. It's one of the most American things they can do."

Under the provisions of its Wounded Warrior Spouse Scholarship Program, which was created in the spirit of Army Family Covenant, spouses of Purple Heart recipients are eligible for up to 30 semester hours within a one-year period that began Aug. 1.

Spouses interested in the program must present a marriage license, Department of Defense identification card and their spouse's DD Form 214 or Purple Heart award orders. Only spouses of those Soldiers who earned the Purple Heart after September 2001 are eligible.

Dick Gates, the CTC site manager at Fort Lee and a former veteran himself, said the program is a way of giving back to military members who have sacrificed so much for their country.

"It's an excellent program," said the Vietnam veteran. "My personal feeling is that we can't do enough for Soldiers. They deserve the best that we can provide."

Spouses who take full advantage of the program stand to gain about $3,900 in free tuition, "Plus text books," said Gates, "so you're probably looking at around $5,000."

Pasha, who is a licensed stylist, said the scholarship offer helped her to kick-start a degree program in information technology. She added that she knows all too well the challenges that spouses of wounded warriors face in supporting their Families and that higher education is sometimes not an option.
"Everybody who can should take advantage of the program," she said.

Stacey Towns is an education counselor with the Soldier and Family Assistance Center which provides a number of assistance services to WTU members. She said that although Pasha is the first recipient of the program, she anticipates that more will sign up.

"I would hope that the number will grow as more Soldiers and spouses become aware of the program," she said, "and as Fort Lee expands because of BRAC, I'm sure that it will."

The WWSSP is available at CTC campuses throughout the nation, said Gates. The program is funded for the current program year, but funding beyond that is uncertain, he added.

For more details on the program, visit the CTC Web site at www.ctcd.edu/militaryspouses

Dr. Phil - PTSD

2008-12-22T01:35:00.001-08:00

Information:

Even if you aren't a huge fan of Dr. Phil's - you may want to try and catch a replay of his Dec. 19 segment on the plight of veterans featuring an investigative report by CBS Chief Investigative Correspondent Armen Keteyian that exposed an epidemic of suicide among those who have served in the military.

It's not something that we all want to be reminded of so close to the holidays, but it is important.

Please remember... as a spouse you will be spending a lot of time with your servicemember when they return from downrange. Please look for signs of PTSD and get help immediately!!!

Contact their commander, chaplain, battalion surgeon.. or a counselor. To find a counselor in your area, or to volunteer services to the mental health counseling project, visit http://www.giveanhour.org/.

If you need to talk to someone right away.... call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

God bless.

Marc

Merry X-Mas!!!!

2008-12-22T01:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone-

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been working horrible hours at work and trying to finish deadlines for my www.sportsbythenumbers.com book series.

We have a Mixed Martial Arts, Major League Baseball, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Sacramento Kings book coming out in the spring.

But, I wanted to wish all you out there, a wonderful Christmas. This will be my first as a proud dad. I can't wait to see my daughter's face when she sees all the shiny wrapping paper. She's still way too young to understand, but I hope I can capture at least one "OHHHH" facial expression.

All the best,

Marc

Jelly Beans and M&M's

2008-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Heads up!

With Halloween coming up, I just wanted you all to know... please don't ever mix Jelly Beans and M&M's in one bite.

I speak from experience, please don't let the kids have this combo.

As my family couldn't stop laughing at me for coughing and tearing up, I was having trouble swallowing. Now, looking back it was funny, but my throat is killing me right now and it's hard to swallow.

The reason:

When I chomped down on the Jelly Beans, they usually form to my throat and slide on down, but the M&M got stuck in the squashed Jelly Bean and couldn't break down. So the shell actually got caught and scracthed my throat and it took me forever to get the bite down.

Now, make sure you get the kids out there and trick or treat until they drop. You'll make lasting memories, but please stay away from this combo. Ha Ha!!!!!

Have a great Halloween!

Finished!

2008-10-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

At last.

I can't believe it, but I just finished my written exams for the PhD that I've been working on the past three years.

The degree (when I finish) will be in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

Although I live in Germany, I can still take classes at my local Army Education center.

Spouses - I suggest when you find a moment, please visit your installation's Ed Center. There is never a good or bad time for education. Each day that passes is one day less you will have to get your degree. It can't hurt to at least see what they have to offer.

Remember - Don't "just survive" during the deployment -- ---- --- THRIVE! You can do it.

8,000 Troops to Leave Iraq

2008-09-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

I'll believe it when I see it.

Good news is that it is a step in the right direction (if you want your family member home - which we all do).

My brother-in-law is currently in Iraq. He has two children and my sister at home... and I hate it.

I hate it because they need him. I hate it because he is in harm's way on a daily basis.

But I love him for volunteering to go to the desert to take care of business and to protect our way of life (whatever that means).

Pulling a total of 8,000 troops home as announced by President Bush is only good IF the reduction in violence stops totally. If America controls a city, then the city is protected. Leave that city and it becomes the wild west again.

I have no answers.

But I do hope that one of the 8,000 coming home is YOUR troop.

God bless.

Marc

Riddick Bowe visits Ramstein

2008-09-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

You'll never guess who showed up at the Ramstein Middle School.

I'm sure by the title of this entry, you can tell.

That's right, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion of the World, Riddick Bowe visited the kids, shook hands, and signed autographs.

Thanks for giving these children a great day, Riddick!

What a great surprise for these kids.

Incredible!!!!!!!

2008-08-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

My wife and I Drove down to Ramstein to visit a few friends last weekend.

We met up at a great Mexican Restaurant and talked about our new venture www.PCSPortico.com and made plans about its direction.

After coming out of the restaurant, we saw a beautiful family: Mom, Dad (Airman), and baby.

The 1 year old was a definite cutie. He was dressed in his Sunday best which included hard soled shoes.

Mom must have been out of it because she proceeded to let this child stand up on a Mercedes Benz in the parking lot.

Glad it wasn't my car!

The owner of the car, apparently their friend, saw what Mom was doing and inspected her car.

As plain as day, you could see the mark that the shoes made in the hood of the Benz. The child's hard soled shoes scractched it.

The owner of the car laughed through it all, saying, "Oh My God. Look what his shoes did".

The Airman and Mom did nothing. They laughed as well. But the owner's laugh was an uncomfortbale laugh. You could tell she was so mad... but she did nothing.

I can't tell you who I was more upset with. The parents for doing nothing, no offer of reimbursement. The owner for not being more direct and saying, "Look, you need to call your insurance".

Something.

Bottom line: 1. Stand up for yourself. 2. Take responsibility.

It wasn't the child's fault for standing on that car.

Giving!

2008-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

I just got back from the states where I had a chance to see my old Army roomate and brother-in-law. How my old Army roomate became my brother-in-law is a long story, so I'll just stick to a short one.

He was on R&R from Iraq and came home for our family reunion. My wife, sister, b-in-law, and I went to Target late one night to do a bit of shopping. Since we live in Germany and he is in Iraq right now, shopping at Target was a treat. We probably stayed there for an hour and a half before we made our way to the car in the parking lot.

On the drivers side mirror, there was a note taped to it. Inside the card was a $60 gift certificate to Target and a note that read. Thanks for all you do. Thanks for your service.

My sister has a bumper sticker on the car that reads, "Half my heart is in Iraq". We figure that's how this Santa Clause knew that he was in service and what my sister was going through.

What a blessing. What a great day.

Remember, people in America appreciate what you do. What you do for your country. What you do for your family.

Stay focused, stay active, and stay hopeful.

America does support you!

Iron Spouse Combat Badge

2008-06-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

Taken from AFN Hessen in Germany:

Being a soldier isn’t an easy job, but neither is being the spouse of a soldier who is deployed. That’s why spouses of 1st Armored Division soldiers in Wiesbaden attended a day of training to see what it feels like to be a soldier for a day. The Iron Spouses didn’t just put on the uniform, they took a modified Physical Fitness Test, learned Basic Rifle Marksmanship Skills, low-crawled through the mud and even ate MRE’s.

Great Job Ladies. Stay Busy and Stay Focused!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

2008-05-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

SPC Ross McGinnis - Medal of Honor: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for protecting my daughter, my wife, and the rest of my family members.

May you arrive in peace.

We love you.

Do they think we're STUPID?!?!?

2008-05-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone-

A few years ago, I was visiting my parents house in Corpus Christi, TX. I stopped by the Trade Center (a huge fleamarket) with my nephew to look for some old baseball cards.

When we arrived, we went directly to the cotton candy and snack shop, got our fill and headed over to the sports memorabilia booth. My nephew took it all in and asked if I would buy him a 1984 George Brett card. Of course being a huge Royals fan, I couldn't tell him no. As I was paying for the card, I noticed a sign that took me back.

The sign above the unopened packs of 1990 Fleers read, "50 cents each OR two for $1.00" ?!?!?

I just about lost it. I caught myself before laughing hysterically.

At first I was a bit insulted. Did they really think that I couldn't add 50 cents to 50 cents. But then I calmed down and thought that it may be that there are alot of children that come through and some of them haven't mastered addition yet.

But then it happened again in Hanau, Germany last week. I was helping close down the post Education Center (base closures) when I went to the AAFES Shoppette (think 7-11 or Circle K) to get a soda. On the front of the window, there was an ad for Spunkmeyer Cookies. It read "50 cents each or three for $1.50"?!?!

I couldn't believe it! Does AAFES think that military family members, servicemembers, and DOD civilians can't add? I only thought this stuff happened in my hometwon fleamarket.

Has this ever hapened to you????

Army Wife Talk Radio - Interview

2008-05-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone -

I had my interview the other night with Tara Crooks and Star Henderson at Army Wife Talk Radio.

The interview went great and I really enjoyed myself. These two ladies were fantastic!!!!!

If any of you out there are looking for an entertaining show, check out their site at www.armywifetalkradio.com.

If you want to hear my interview, please click over to www.survivingmilitaryseparation.com/Media.htm

Best regards,

Marc

Volunteer Recognition!

2008-05-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

Last night was the USAG Wiesbaden Annual Volunteer Recognition ceremony. The event was hosted by the Army Community Services.

What a great event. The gathering recognized each organization in our Garrison and the volunteers that make our community excel.

The guest speaker for the event was my wife Christine. Her speech concentrated on Leading by Example and suggested that we strive to get our children to volunteer as well to set a foundation for our future. I know I'm biased because she's my wife, but I thought her speech hit all the right notes.
After the event, she presented her book "The Ultimate Volunteer Guidebook for Young People" (http://www.ultimatevolunteer.com/) to the Wiesbaden Youth Volunteer of the Year. This little girl recorded over 120 hours of volunteer work.... AND she's only 10 years old!!!!!!

In our community alone, our volunteers logged in over 79,000 hours of community services which saved our local command over $1,000,000.

Remember, by volunteering, you become the backbone of the community. Without this type of support, our schools wouldn't excel, our servicemembers wouldn't be taken care of the way they should, and our mail wouldn't be delivered on time... to name a few.

Please consider volunteering in your community. If your family member is deployed, this is just one more way to help pass the time until they return to you.

Best regards,

Marc

"The Unit" visits Iraq!

2008-05-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

Talk about a morale booster!

The actors from the hit CBS series "The Unit" took time out of their busy schedules and visited our men and women in Iraq to shake hands and sign autographs.

The USO set up the event.

Click here to visit "The Unit"'s official website.

One of the soldier's downrange sent me this great picture of the group. In a place like Iraq, it's hard to find things to smile about, but when a group of supporters comes through, it sure changes attitudes fast.

It's amazing what the USO does for families and servicemembers. From free concerts given by Toby Keith and Gary Sinise to NFL and NBA stars signing autographs to Morgan Freeman shaking hands and Cher "turning back time", the USO has our servicemembers connected. Visit the USO to check out what they can do for you and your hero. In return, see how you can volunteer to be a USO helper!

Regards,

Marc

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T13:23:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone-

I just wanted to take a moment and wish all the military mom's out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

A special wish to my sister. Her husband (my old Army roommate) is deployed to Iraq and she is busy with her two little ones. Those kids have the best Mom!

Her husband took the time to record a song that means alot to the both of them. Apparently, his unit has this makeshift recording studio set up and he enlisted the help of his friend and peer to play the guitar for the track.

I haven't heard the song yet, but it really doesn't matter if his voice is Grammy worthy or not. It's the thought that counts. And I know my sister really appreciated it.

So, good job brother-in-law. You made my sister happy this Mother's day!

PS. Stay safe!

Marc

Military Spouse Day, 2008

2008-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Military Spouse Day, 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Get an Education! It's never too late.

2008-05-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

What do you do now that your servicemember is deployed?

Get Educated!

Getting a degree and getting an Education are two totally different things.

As most of you know, most jobs require some sort of vocational skill or a mention that you have a degree on your resume. But you don't have to be working towards a degree to get an EDUCATION.

Most of you will say that as a servicemember's spouse you have put in plenty of time at the School of Hard Knocks. I agree.

Military spouses are some of the strongest people I know. You deal with the homefront on a daily basis. Many of you hold down jobs and then take care of the family. That leaves little time for anything else. And I agree that sometimes taking classes may be hard and very time consuming.

BUT, you owe it to yourself to visit your local education center, community college, or university to see what courses are being offered.

You may find a class or two that peeks your interest and fits your time schedule. You may find a class that will Educate you. It's true that one or two classes won't get you a degree, but one or two classes starts you on the way to become an Educated person.

Best regards,

Marc

Marc's new Sports Books

2008-05-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

As most of you know, I am the co-author of the Sports By the Numbers series. Here is a sneek peek of the covers to my next few books: NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and the New York Yankees.

We were blessed to have some great writers help us with our book Forewords.

Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post and author of 1941 - The Greatest Year in Sports wrote the Foreword for the Yankees title.

Zack Hample, the "Baseball Collector" and author of Watching Baseball Smarter, penned our MLB Foreword.

And Monte Dutton, NASCAR writer and author of numerous books including Haul A** and Turn Left, assisted us with the NASCAR Foreword.

If you know any Sports fans, please let them know about www.sportsbythenumbers.com

Thanks,

Marc

Precious Cargo

2008-05-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

I was carrying my 10 month old daughter today at the commissary and my wife asked if I had a good hold on her. She said that I better because I was holding her Precious Cargo.

Like I don't know that!

Seeing this little girl is the brightest point of my day. She is what I work for. I can't wait to get home after work so I can hold her and play with her. Her smile is contagious.

Being a veteran and being deployed often as a servicemember, I know that being away from home is hard. Being away from a spouse is difficult, but being away from a child is even harder.

My brother-in-law is in Iraq right now and my sister is home watching my niece and nephew. It's hard on her being a so-called single parent right now. But its equally hard on my brother-in-law.

They have come up with a great solution to stay connected. It's not for all servicemembers, but in his case it works because of his MOS. He has a few extra minutes to call home. He HAS to see and hear his Precious Cargo!

Yahoo has a great call out program that is cheap, cheap, cheap! Click here to check it out. The servicemember down range can call home from PC to PC. It's absolutely fantastic.

Other services that you may want to look into are Gizmo Project and Skype.

Good luck and stay active,

Marc

Excerpt

2008-05-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone:

I've had numerous requests from family members to display a excerpt from my new book. Here is a sample of a few of the activities. There are 365 activities listed for family members to attempt. There is also a journal section after each of the listed activities. I hope everyone enjoys them and the artwork of Serviceman Sam from the brilliant mind of Val Laolagi!

Take care, Marc

Blog radio - Army Wife Talk Radio

2008-05-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone -

I have just been confirmed as a guest on the Army Wife Talk Radio.

The show will air LIVE on Monday, May 12 at 8PM EST.

Click here to listen to the show. Wish me luck!!!

What a Journey

2008-05-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

It seems like an eternity ago that I was proposing this idea to my publisher Ted Savas of Savas Beatie LLC. Fortunately for the military community, he saw the need for this type of book to be available for family members of deployed personnel.

The idea for Surviving Military Separation came to me after a week of counseling family members of 1st Armored Division stationed at Wiesbaden, Germany. Their service members had just been deployed to Iraq and were scheduled to be away for 365 days or “until mission is complete”. Our offices were flooded with family member dependents looking for something to help them pass the time. And although the military community is family friendly and has professional organizations setting up activities for just this reason, I noticed that no one was breaking the activities down in a structured and manageable time period. Some spouses needed a day-by-day calendar of scheduled events that they could choose from to get through the deployment.

When the idea for Surviving Military Separation struck me, I immediately went to the local bookstore and visited online vendors looking for a similar book. I found none. There is nothing on the current book market that helps the family member of a deployed military personnel by saying, “today is a new day and here is what you are going to do”.

The glorious thing about Surviving Military Separation is that it is an activity guidebook created especially for family members of deployed personnel. The book has 365 days of activities for the family member to attempt. The activities are laid out seven at a time for 52 week sections. The book’s setup allows the reader the ability to break down the deployment into weeks instead of months which gives the family member a chance to take the deployment one step at a time.

I truly believe that this book will help our family members cope with a deployment… any deployment. Whether it is a deployment to support our Global War on Terrorism, a TDY, a trip to a Professional Development school, a new service member leaving for Basic Training or Boot camp, a few months out to sea for our Navy or Coast Guard, or a local training exercise that will take the service member away from the home, Surviving Military Separation will help the time fly until the family can be reunited.

With the wonderful help of Sarah Keeney, Savas Beatie Marketing Director, and that of artist Val Laolagi, who created a fantastic mascot named Serviceman Sam (visit Sam’s page) for our book, this book has become a reality that everyone in the military community can use.

I would ask everyone that has a family member that must endure the hardships of a deployment, to pass along our website for their view. Together, we can combat the potential idleness of a Military Separation.

Warmest regards,

Marc

5 Tips for Surviving Military Separation

2008-05-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have had the opportunity to speak with and counsel thousands of servicemembers and their families, contractors, and hundreds of Department of Defense civilians about military deployments and separation. Many of these individuals were not prepared for the issues surrounding being separated from their loved ones. Deployments can unfortunately bring on the possibility of combating depression and loneliness. Although not everyone copes the same way, I believe there are hundreds of activities that can help a person thrive during a separation. Therefore, I bring you a sample of these activities as 5 tips everyone should know before a Military Separation.

5. Stay in contact:No matter where you are stationed; close to home or far, far away… staying connected with family and friends can be the difference between surviving a deployment and thriving during a deployment. Set-up an email account and commit to writing one family member or friend a day. Even if you have no news to speak of, writing a letter or email can help you stay focused and may act as a form of journal. Your friends will most likely return the favor and write you back. You can use this as a form of pen pal writing. This will help you stay in the loop with issues and event happenings back home and in touch with people that care about you.

4. Use your Local Family Readiness Groups:Realistically, you may not like everyone in your community or even be able to stomach them all. Not all the spouses in your local Family Readiness Group will even be nice to you or support you in a way that you need. This is one major complaint about local FRG’s; pettiness and gossip. However, the good far outweigh the bad. There are so many spouses that will reach out and assist you in your time of need. Remember, you also have a shoulder to offer for another spouse that is going through a rough patch during a deployment. Use this resource. You will not regret your choice to reach out. You may even make new life-time friends.

3. Take a Class:Visit your local Education center, Community Services, Morale Welfare Recreation center, or athletic gymnasium. Whether you want to learn about ancient Rome, take an aerobics class, learn CPR, or how to update your resume, getting your body and mind in shape will help pass the time while your loved one is deployed. Remember, this will give you a chance to broaden your horizon as well as focusing on something other than your servicemember.

2. Support Your Troops:It’s the small things that we do that sends the loudest messages to the rest of the world. We all have a need to display symbols of what our military community means to us. It gives us a great sense of pride to be able to demonstrate our love for our troops. Examples may be: Wearing a red outfit shows your neighborhood that you support your troops overseas. Tell everyone why you chose to wear red. Spread the word that our troops are deployed around the world. Also, tie yellow ribbons around the trees in your area. Show the world you support your servicemember. Canvas the whole neighborhood. Enlist the help of your friends.

1. Send Care Packages:Boost your servicemember’s morale with a care package. Cookies, chips, stationery, and magazines brighten up long deployment hours. Go to your local post office to find a list of what you can and can’t send. Your servicemember will appreciate it. There’s nothing like receiving mail during deployment.

Warmest regards,

Marc basic training, book, deployment, family member, military

The Children are our Future!

2008-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

As a former Army Airborne Ranger and a current Department of Defense employee, I will be the first to say that I don’t know the answer.

Should we stay or should we go??

As spouses, brothers, sisters, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, we hate to see our service members deploy into harm’s way.

What good could come out of all of this? We want our family at home to watch our kid’s recitals, baseball games, and to share in all the excitement of a graduation or the birth of a new family member.

We get tired of seeing the newspapers and television reporters say the same monotonous things over and over. “We are helping build a new life for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq”.

These children we see on the news haven’t done anything wrong. They have been born into circumstances that are beyond their control. I imagine that the children of Iraq would love Disneyland, watching Hannah Montana, or just eating cereal in front of the television on Saturday morning while they take in cartoons.

Our children have opportunities because our service members protect our way of life, because they help bring stability to other regions. Our children can become who they want because our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties do what they do. They bring stability to a world that needs it.

The best thing that we can do is focus on what we can control; stability in our own homes. We need to stay active, we need to have a schedule, we need to believe!

Believe in what our service members are doing overseas. Believe in their training. Believe in their brothers and sisters that are standing on the right and left of them when they dig in on the front lines.

Best regards,

Marc CB Maxwell